One of Guiding Eyes’ most critical tasks is selecting the next generation of breeding dogs. This is why almost all of the puppies in the puppy raising program remain reproductively intact until after they return for their IFT. A number of considerations come into play when evaluating a dog as a breeder, including not only that specific dog’s health history and temperament, but also the health and temperament of all its littermates.

Any dog selected as a breeder will meet minimum standards for each of the traits considered valuable in a guide dog, and will also contribute improvement in one or more traits so that the next generation is better than its predecessors. For more information on the considerations in selecting breeding dogs, see Criteria for Breeder Selection.

Process for breed evaluation

Only one-third of the dogs selected for breeding evaluation actually become Guiding Eyes breeders. There are multiple steps in the process, which takes approximately 4 months to complete.

• Identifying candidates Our database identifies possible breeding dog candidates, based on whether their data match specific health and temperament criteria.
• Verifying candidates to pre-screen DVDs from the quarterly puppy program W&T assessments are reviewed in advance of the dogs arriving for evaluation.
• Breed evaluation initial testing Dogs demonstrating consistency for the desired traits are scheduled for screening at the Canine Development Center (CDC), and undergo the same initial testing as the dogs destined for training. Those with the highest criteria for breeding are retained at the CDC for further observation, testing, and training. Some dogs not selected for pre-screening may still be evaluated for breeding on the day of the IFT test.
• Breed evaluation completion Littermates of dogs in breeding evaluation are observed through their 2nd month of training, to verify that the positive traits observed in the potential breeder are consistently present throughout the litter. This indicates that the breeder will produce the desired traits more consistently in its offspring. Once the evaluation of littermates is completed, a final decision is made about retaining a breed evaluation dog as a member of the breeding colony. Breed evaluation dogs that are not selected for breeding are moved to training.

Placement of breed dogs

During the breed evaluation period, when the dog is not needed in the CDC kennel, it will be placed with a foster sitter local to the CDC. The foster sitter may or may not receive permanent placement with a breed dog. Once the decision is made to make the dog part of the breeding colony, the dog will be placed with a foster family meeting a number of eligibility requirements.

Keeping in touch

• During breed evaluation: Your Region Manager will keep you updated approximately once a month while your dog is being evaluated for breeding. If you have any questions you should contact your Region Coordinator.
• During active breeding years: When your dog is placed with a foster family, your Region Manager will arrange an exchange of contact information (name, address, telephone number, and e- mail address if any) between you and the foster family. Before placement, the foster families agree to maintain contact with their dog’s raiser, so that raisers are welcome to inquire about their dog and share information on the dog’s progress over time. The Foster Agreement gives more details of the foster placement requirements. If you have any questions or concerns regarding foster placement, contact your Region Coordinator. A complimentary 8 x 10 portrait of your dog wearing a harness (without the handle) − a special designation of breeding status− will be sent to you (as well as to any official vet or food sponsors for your dog). You can order extra copies of the portrait through your Region Coordinator. For lowest cost, order the extra photos as soon as you receive notification that your dog has been selected as a breeder.
• During Retirement: Your Region Manager or Region Coordinator will notify you when your dog retires from the breeding colony. If the dog you raised has been a breeder for more than twelve months, the foster family will be given first option to adopt the dog. If the foster family declines to adopt, the raiser will be given the opportunity to adopt. Foster families are requested to stay in touch with you after the retirement period, but are not required by agreement to do so. You can review Brood/Stud Release/Retirement for information on placement policies after retirement.